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We have always supported fundamental research because this creates the prerequisites for major breakthroughs. Fundamental research in the natural and technical sciences is also a prerequisite for developing a world-class life science ecosystem and for preparing the basis for new knowledge and groundbreaking discoveries that benefit people and society.

Our goals are to:

  • Support curiosity-driven research
  • Build capacity and expertise and create optimal conditions within important scientific fields
  • Contribute to a diverse and inclusive academic community that provides opportunities for the most talented researchers to immerse themselves in creative research
  • Drive cross- and interdisciplinary collaborations that can pave the way for new solutions to complex societal challenges
  • Strengthen international collaboration that creates world-class research

Projects and initiatives we have supported

Fundamental research

Novo Nordisk Foundation Cellerator

The initiative aims to advance the cell therapy ecosystem and enable transformative treatments. 

Danish Pioneer Centre for Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence will contribute to solving big societal challenges

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease

With a USD 47.5 million commitment over a five-year period, the Foundation has supported the establishment of a new centre for genomic research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Boston (US).

Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW)

The Foundation has awarded up to DKK 2.2 billion (300 million euro) over a 10-year period for the center, which is established as a partnership between three leading research institutions.

Research Leader Programme

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Research Leader Programme aims to ensure that excellent research leaders have the opportunity to pursue ambitious and innovative projects.

Copenhagen Bioscience Cluster

The Copenhagen Bioscience Cluster is a Novo Nordisk Foundation initiative that started in 2007 with the establishment of the first major research centre.

Bioinformatics Centre

The Centre seeks to achieve new breakthroughs and to solve problems within biology and medicine by the use of computers.

Copenhagen Plant Science Center

Novo Nordisk Fondens bevilling går til projektet ”Harnessing the oxidative power of enzymes” ved Copenhagen Plant Science Center ved Københavns Universitet